Research at Riversleigh
The excavation, removal and analysis of fossils is fundamental to understanding the site’s Outstanding Universal Value.
The Queensland Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation regulates research at Riversleigh via the state’s Nature Conservation Act 1992.
The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and Partnerships evaluates scientific permit applications in consultation with the Waanyi Cooperative Management Council and the Queensland Museum – the state’s statutory custodian of the excavated fossils.
Scientific permit holders must submit a referral to the Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. This referral also considers the impacts of the proposed activities on the World Heritage Outstanding Universal Value.
Threats to the integrity of fossil sites through excavation and removal of fossil material for analysis are considered low.
Threat assessment
The assessment of threats is outlined in the Australian Fossil Mammal Sites (Riversleigh / Naracoorte) Conservation Outlook Assessment from 2014, 2017 and 2020. Reporting of Outlook Assessment has changed from every three years to every five years and the next report is due in 2025.
| Threat | 2014 Status | 2014 Location | 2017 Status | 2017 Location | 2020 Status | 2020 Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Impacts of research activities | Very low threat | Inside site, localised (<5%) | Very low threat | Inside site, localised (<5%) | ||
“Other” | High threat | Inside site | ||||
Ongoing research |
